Statistics on Immigrants Released

Fifteen percent of the 7500 adult immigrants and potential immigrants who arrived here during the four month period between Sept. and Dec. 1969 left Israel by the end of their third year. Of the remainder, 88 percent definitely decided to stay, and p 9 percent are not yet sure, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics. These findings are included in the latest periodical report on a sample group, the subject of a continuous follow-up study by the statisticians,

Sixty percent of those still here are in the labor force, compared to 49.8 percent of the population at large. Within this total, which represents both employed persons and job seekers, 8 percent are jobless, as against 2.6 percent in the population at large. The great majority of this immigrant group is in what was described as permanent housing: 39 percent are in purchased homes. 52 percent in rented property and 2 percent in kibbutzim.

Nearly all — 98 percent — have an electric refrigerator, 81 percent have a TV set, 68 percent have a washing machine, and 35 percent have a car or commercial van, as against 25 percent of the population at large. Twenty-five percent say they cannot yet converse in Hebrew, and 44 percent do not read a Hebrew newspaper even occasionally.

The greatest satisfaction is with housing: 41 percent are “absolutely satisfied” with their dwelling in general terms. 45 percent are “absolutely satisfied” with its size and 47 percent with its location. If the “reasonably satisfied” are included, approvals total 80 percent. Absolute satisfaction with work is only 28 percent, though “absolutely” and “reasonably satisfied” together account for 79 percent.